The countdown is on as the world-renowned RCMP Musical Ride returns to the Town of Westlock this week.
Westlock’s shows, the first in the community since 2006, go Aug. 7 at the race track next to the Rotary Spirit Centre at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., while a ride is slated for Aug. 13 at the Bold Center in Lac La Biche.
The 90-minute Westlock shows, which will run rain or shine, also include two performances from county-music artist Trevor Panczak, who was featured at the November 2018 Cultural Arts Theatre Series show in Westlock.
Tickets are $10 (kids under two get in free) and available in Westlock at the Flower Shoppe, Westlock Funeral Home and Carl’s Auto Tirecraft as well as online at Eventbrite.ca, or at the gate.
For the uninitiated, the RCMP Musical Ride features a full troop of 32 RCMP riders and their horses. Their performance consists of intricate figures and drills choreographed to music and demands the utmost control, timing and coordination.
The troop performs in up to 50 communities across Canada from May to October — this year the rides are being held in Alberta and Quebec.
In addition, the rides help raise thousands of dollars for local charities and non-profit organizations, like the Westlock and District Agricultural Society which are hosting the Westlock shows.
“The planning has been going fantastic,” said ag society secretary Samantha Gabbey, noting a food truck will also be on site. “The ag society is in full force getting ready to welcome to the 32 horses and their riders.”
The ag society sent in an application back in 2018, followed by a face-to-face meeting with the ride co-oridnator. Westlock will actually be the temporary home for the horses which arrive Aug. 6 as following the Westlock show they’ll be transported to Fort Saskatchewan for an Aug. 9 date. They’ll then return to Westlock before heading to Fort McMurray for a pair of shows, Aug. 10-11, before the Aug. 13 ride in Lac La Biche.
“We’ve got people coming from Edmonton, Slave Lake, all around. The interest is definitely there,” said Gabbey, noting parking will be available at the Spirit Centre and ag barn.
“I was involved with my dad back in 2003 in another ag society with organizing a ride and it’s such a great show. It’s truly and purely Canadian.”
The ride tours with 45 personnel, which includes 39 members of the RCMP, four contracted truck drivers, one bus driver and a farrier. The host is responsible for paying all stabling and feed costs for the horses, securing a suitable performance site.
